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City of Vancouver’s Sewer Preventative Maintenance Program: Benefits and Enrollment Steps

Nov 12, 2024 | Educational

Having a backed-up sewer line can cause a massive headache. Unfortunately, some properties may experience sewer blockages more frequently due to tree roots, grease build-up or faulty pipes. While you can solve some plumbing issues with a quick trip to Vancouver for plumbing supplies, others may require more extensive maintenance, especially if you’re often experiencing the same problems. Fortunately, the city of Vancouver offers residents a unique opportunity to participate in a program to assist property owners who experience frequent sewer line blockages and backups.

Signs You May Have a Sewer Backup

All wastewater drains using the same municipal pipe, regardless of where it comes from in your home. Some of the most common signs of a sewer backup include a foul smell, slow-draining water, gurgling noises and plumbing issues with one fixture when using another. By promptly contacting city officials through 3-1-1, they can give you more information about the preventative maintenance program and let you know if you’re eligible to enroll.

What Does Vancouver’s Sewer Preventative Maintenance Program Include?

If you qualify for the program, you will receive routine appointments at your property to clear out your sewer connection of any blockages that may be building up. During your appointment, trained professionals will access your sewer connection using a stack, an indoor or outdoor sump and a clean-out. A clean-out is a vertical pipe that offers a convenient entry point to your sewer connection. You can help the crews by heading to the plumbing supply store and purchasing an outdoor clean-out. This way, the city crew can provide maintenance on your sewer connection whenever necessary and without disrupting your busy schedule.

Scheduling an Appointment

After qualifying and enrolling in the program, they will send you a letter with the time and date of your appointment. You may need to be home for the initial appointment so their workers can access the sewer line. However, once you’ve installed an outdoor clean-out, they can conduct future maintenance without you needing to be present.

Noble BC is proud to be your hometown plumbing supply store, and we are happy to serve residents and professional plumbers throughout the lower mainland of British Columbia. Come visit us the next time you’re in Vancouver for plumbing supplies. Whether you’re in Coquitlam, Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Surrey, Sechelt, Mission or Kelowna, our friendly staff at Noble BC are happy to help you with expert advice and high-quality supplies to get the job done right.